Press Release on Structure Fire at 900 Main Street on 12.25.13

City of Oconto Fire-Rescue Department

1210 Main Street

Oconto, WI 54153

Fire Chief Jack Mlnarik

920-834-7775

920-834-7710 Fax

firechief@cityofoconto.com

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######### For Immediate Release ##########

Report of Structure Fire at 900 Main St

On Sunday morning, December 25th, 2013 at approximately 12:14 am, Oconto Fire and Rescue

Department units were dispatched to 900 Main St for a report of a structure fire.

At that address is the Log Jam Saloon, a 2 story, masonry construction bar on the lower level

and a vacant apartment upstairs of approximately 3000 square feet owned by Hugo Rental and

Investment Properties Co INC. Upon arrival fire crews found heavy gray smoke coming from

the eaves and fire in the rear upper window. Unsure if anyone was in the building firefighters

attempted to enter but were driven back by extreme fire conditions and debris that impeded their

route. These factors limited the initial fire suppression efforts to the exterior of the building

Two engines, one aerial ladder truck, one rescue truck, three ambulances and sixteen Oconto

Firefighters, responded to the call. The Pensaukee Fire Department responded with one Engine,

two Tenders, one Equipment Van, and ten personnel. Also assisting was the Oconto Falls Fire

Department with one Engine and five personnel. Overall three departments and 31 personnel

were used in helping to extinguish this fire.

Firefighters did an excellent job battling the extreme weather conditions at the time of this fire.

The fire was contained to the upper story of the large building, but smoke and water caused

extensive damage to the building and its contents. Fire units had the fire controlled within four

hours, but remained on scene for an additional nine hours extinguishing hot spots and starting an

investigation. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported.

Damage was extensive to the structure and its contents. Estimated loss to the building and

contents is approximately $98,000. The Oconto Fire & Rescue Department is working with the

Oconto Police Department and State Fire Marshal to determine the cause.

While the Oconto Fire Department was on scene, the Oconto Ambulance responded to two

ambulance calls within the City of Oconto.

Chief Jack Mlnarik

Oconto Fire Rescue